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Arkansas State Edges Clemson

Arkansas State Edges Clemson

Arkansas State scored two tries in the second half to come from behind and defeat Clemson University 14-10 Saturday afternoon in the Mid-South Conference.

It was a tight game throughout, and was a tough oss for the Tigers, who fielded ten players under the age of 20.

"The match was one more fixture on the most difficult schedule in the D1A, and a great opportunity to test ourselves again against another one of the best teams in the country," said Clemson Head Coach Steve Lynch. "We are improving daily, making significant strides in the mental game. We have a very young and talented team, and they played smart, physical rugby for 80 minutes, matching ASU in every aspect of the match. We had the opportunity to win with territory and possession at the death."

But the Red Wolves held on.

"It feels good," said ASU Head Coach Blake White. "But there is still plenty of work to do. We showed this week that we can play in tight games."

Clemson took a 3-0 lead wing Andrew Dommel slotted a penalty goal. ASU's Tanner Pope scored the try in the second half with the conversion by Val Balande, to lift Arkansas State to the 7-3 lead. Clemson wing Hunter Dawsey then touched down to make it 8-7 Clemson, and Dommel's conversion pushed the Tigers' lead to three points.

But shortly thereafter, the Red Wolves got possession and Zach Young burst through. Brock Roper nailed the conversion for the final score.

"We played very well, we just couldn't capitalize when it came time to execute," continued White. "Clemson is a very tough team who plays with a great amount of heart and is very well coached. They know what they're good at and stick to it."

Arkansas State improves to 2-2 in the Mid-South, while Clemson drops to 0-4.